 Rep. Jeff Witte Selected for National Legislative Leadership Training Institute
ST. PAUL – Minnesota State Representative Jeff Witte (R–Lakeville) was recently selected by House Speaker Lisa Demuth to participate in the National Conference of State Legislatures’ (NCSL) Emerging Leaders Institute—a nationally recognized leadership program designed to strengthen legislative effectiveness, cultivate principled leadership, and encourage productive bipartisan partnerships across state lines.
The program brought together legislators from 21 states for an intensive, hands-on training focused on: effective governance, navigating complex policy challenges, and delivering tangible results for constituents.
“I’m deeply grateful to Speaker Demuth for the opportunity to participate in this program,” Witte said. “Working alongside legislators from across the country—Republicans and Democrats alike—reinforced this powerful truth: no matter where we come from, we share a responsibility to serve with integrity and purpose. While our paths may differ, our challenges are often the same, and so is our commitment to the people we represent. Good governance rises above labels. It’s about collaboration, practical solutions, and earning the trust of the communities we are honored to serve.”
Witte noted that throughout the training, discussions repeatedly returned to the values that define leadership in Minnesota: responsibility, accountability, and service.
“In Minnesota, we expect our leaders to show up, listen, and work hard,” Witte said. “That’s the standard I set for myself every day. Government should exist to help people get ahead—not create obstacles that hold them back. This program allowed me to step back, sharpen my skills, and renew my focus on what matters most: delivering real, meaningful results for the families of Lakeville and for Minnesota as a whole.”
Much of the program’s value, he added, came from candid conversations with lawmakers from both rural and urban communities nationwide, many of whom face challenges similar to those confronting Minnesotans every day.
“We discussed the same issues I hear about back home week after week—rising costs, supporting small businesses, improving our education system, and protecting the communities we’re proud to call home,” Witte said. “Hearing how leaders from other states tackle these issues brought a fresh perspective and served as a great reminder that when we stay focused on practical, common-sense solutions, we can make real progress for the people we serve.”
Now back home, Rep. Witte is already putting those lessons to work. He is reviewing policy strategies discussed at the training, connecting with community leaders, and preparing for the upcoming legislative session with renewed focus.
“As we head into next session, my priority is simple: keep Minnesota moving in the right direction,” Witte said. “That means supporting working families, strengthening our communities, and delivering a government that respects Minnesotans’ time, honors their hard-earned tax dollars, and earns their trust through action—not promises.”
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